The Playdate

For one little girl, the prospect of a playdate at her friend Henry’s house fills her with excitement. To get to Henry’s house, they have to take a bus, then the underground, then change to another line, then a bus, and then walk for a bit, but it’s worth it because Henry’s house has millions of rooms to hide in and hundreds of toys to play with.

But while the text tells one story, the illustrations slowly reveal another. As the kids tear around the house enjoying each other’s company, their mums experience the playdate very differently. Soon we find that the little girl and her friend Henry live lives that are poles apart.

A powerful story about friendship across economic divides that encourages readers to question why we live in a society where those who have and those who have not live very different lives.

“The story approaches the child’s and mother’s lives with empathy, imbuing both with dignity. A frankly told, child’s-eye view of the intersection of friendship and socioeconomic status.”

— Kirkus Reviews

“I am sometimes astounded by the power of story, especially when said story comes in the form of a picturebook. The Playdate is the perfect example. Opening eyes to the differences that economic divide creates, intelligently portrayed with two different stories told in the illustrations & text. The perfect book for classroom discussions.” 

–– Armadillo Magazine

“A moving picturebook about class and the gap between rich and poor in which the pictures tell you more than is in the text.” 

–– The Sunday Times

“Remarkably subtle and sophisticated. This thought-provoking book rewards close exploration and provides perceptive insights into inequalities, offering rich opportunities for conversations, and heightened awareness and empathy for some of the disparities in society. This impressive story lives on long after the final page has been turned.” 

–– Inclusive Books for Children

“Now this title deals with a topic that we don’t see enough of in our picture books: economic diversity. Fascinating stuff.” 

–– School Library Journal

“One of my favourite children’s picture books of the year so far. Beautifully paced and compassionate. A great example of story and illustration working hand-in-hand to create something more than the sum of its parts.” 

–– The Letterpress Project